WPY 2011

Migaloo the Magnificent

'There can't be many more exhilarating wildlife experiences,' says, Marc, 'than to hang in the air looking down on the emergence and submergence of such a magnificent animal.' Marc got his shot over the Great Barrier Reef, off Queensland, hanging by a harness from the open door of a helicopter. As the all-white Migaloo - the only known albino humpback - took deep breaths at the surface, he glowed like an iceberg. But as he dived, he turned aquamarine, leaving in his wake a 'footprint' - a smooth patch of water caused by the upward thrust of his tail flukes. Migaloo visits Australia annually, and seeing him is a whale-watching highlight. He is part of a humpback population that in winter migrates from feeding grounds in Antarctica to the subtropical waters off Australia to breed.

Photograph Details

Specially commended 2011

Creative Visions

Marc McCormack, Australia

Migaloo the Magnificent

'There can't be many more exhilarating wildlife experiences,' says, Marc, 'than to hang in the air looking down on the emergence and submergence of such a magnificent animal.' Marc got his shot over the Great Barrier Reef, off Queensland, hanging by a harness from the open door of a helicopter. As the all-white Migaloo - the only known albino humpback - took deep breaths at the surface, he glowed like an iceberg. But as he dived, he turned aquamarine, leaving in his wake a 'footprint' - a smooth patch of water caused by the upward thrust of his tail flukes. Migaloo visits Australia annually, and seeing him is a whale-watching highlight. He is part of a humpback population that in winter migrates from feeding grounds in Antarctica to the subtropical waters off Australia to breed.

Technical specification

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